Re: [DML] Disputing the $25,0000 rule

[Soma576@xxxx]

In a message dated 11/5/03 6:18:09 PM Central Standard Time, Soma576@xxxx 
writes:

> i suppose i would be below $25,000 if i only replaced parts that needed to 
> be 
> replaced, but i'd also have a car that isn't so reliable and i might fear 
> going from ND to TN next spring..... and i wouldn't take home so many 
> trophies 
> from shows!
> 
> to do it the way i do it, i would say $35,000 is more realistic. 
> 
> Andy

Actually, I got curious after i made this post and I actually ADDED UP all of 
my receipts. So far, my total is $27,660.04. this includes car purchase 
price, non-stock stereo upgrade (around $2500) as well as other goodies such as a 
lowered suspension and stainless enhancements. total includes shipping for 
parts (forgot to not include it until i was almost done) as well as about $1500 
total labor costs for things such as dropping and cracking open my tranny and 
recharging my A/C and performing alignments, spring installation). all other 
work i did myself. total doesn't include interest i have accrued on credit 
cards or inital car loan (will be paid off in march). 

I have a short list of things i still have to do on my car which includes:
1. fanzilla, lockzilla remotes, and new tank sender.
2. drop suspension and blast and powdercoat it, replace all bushings.
3. replace frame (getting pretty rusty and i don't have the means to do a 
frame off - i'd rather swap).
4. replace wheels with polished ones (mine are powdercoated and i don't like 
it)
5. replace steering rack and steering universals
6. eliminate fascia eyebrows

i suspect by the time these are done i will be kissing the $35,000 range. 
will it be worth it? i think so because i have personally disassembled and 
refurbished or replaced almost every system in the car and wherever possible i 
replaced parts with better than stock parts, as well as having all the upgrades i 
wish to have to have a car that runs perfect, drives perfect, and looks 
perfect enough to waltz into car shows and steal the light. like i said though, i 
am pretty anal about EVERYTHING, and if you want just a regular driver that 
looks respectable, i'm sure $20K-$25K will do it and keep it reliable enough. 
BUT I am of the opinion that you won't be REALLY happy with it (and you'll 
always be envious) until you fork up the $35K.

Andy


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